HASSAN: Carcasses of calves, animal waste and bones are being dumped into the flowing Hemavati river near the Sri Lakshmaneshwara Swamy and Sri Ayyappa Swamy temples at Holenarasipura town in the district, prompting severe outrage.
Leftover beef, bones and dead cattle from illegal slaughterhouses are tied in sacks on the River Bank Road in the town and thrown overnight from over the barrage built across Hemavati river and on the river bank. An illegal slaughterhouse is only 400 meters away from city police station and cow slaughter is happening daily, locals say.
Two years ago, on public demand, the authorities had conducted raid once or twice, after that police have turned a blind eye and not taken any action. Because of this, Hemavati river is getting polluted. Water of Hemavati river is not only for Hassan district but drinking water source for lakhs of people of Mandya, Mysuru and Tumakuru region.
Along with rotten smell coming from rotting of cattle meat, rotten carcasses, water is getting polluted. Because of this, a fear of the spread of infectious diseases has arisen. Residents of the town have demanded the authorities to take strict action against those polluting the Hemavati river, causing damage to environment and Hindu sentiments, along with installing CCTV cameras near the river barrage, increasing night patrolling and taking strict action against those doing illegal cow slaughter.
